Mental illnesses affect individuals of every age. While the internet can be a scary place, it could be helpful in making an effort to make teens feel less alone in their struggle with teen mental health issues. The internet gives teens access to information to educate themselves and relate to others who struggle with the same things. This type of access to helpful resources is a potential turning point in the mental health sphere.
Help for teen mental health issues can be behind your device. While this doesn’t directly address this issue at hand, it eliminates the problem of teens feeling like they suffer alone. The internet is not always a cruel place. It can be used as both and educational and comforting community.
When to Seek Help
Mental health issues can appear in each teen’s life differently. As a parent you should observe changes in your child that could indicate mental health issues. Upon noticing, seek your health care provider to receive professional help. Getting your teen a proper evaluation is the first step in helping them cope.
Here are some signs that they may be struggling:
- Often feels anxious or worried
- Has very frequent tantrums or is intensely irritable much of the time
- Has frequent stomachaches or headaches with no physical explanation
- Is in constant motion, can’t sit quietly for any length of time
- Has trouble sleeping, including frequent nightmares
- Loses interest in things he or she used to enjoy
- Avoids spending time with friends
- Has trouble doing well in school, or grades decline
- Fears gaining weight; exercises, diets obsessively
- Has low or no energy
- Has spells of intense, inexhaustible activity
- Harms herself/himself, such as cutting or burning her/his skin
- Engages in risky, destructive behavior
- Harms self or others
- Smokes, drinks, or uses drugs
- Has thoughts of suicide
- Thinks his or her mind is controlled or out of control, hears voices
Additional Ways to Help
Consider these 3 tips for talking and getting help for teen mental health issues:
- Communicate. Talk to your teen in a comfortable and safe space. Make sure they feel comfortable opening up to you. You should approach the conversation in a concerning manner rather than assuming the situation.
- Listen. Although you may not have experienced the feelings they have, you should listen to understand. Be attentive and respond in meaningful ways. Make them feel validated in having their own feelings.
- Encourage. Let your teen know it’s okay to ask for help. Help them learn the resources that are available to support them. However, do not pressure them into something that they are uncomfortable with.
BlueFire Wilderness can help
BlueFire Wilderness Therapy is an adventure-based program for teens ages 11-17 who struggle with addictive behaviors. Wilderness therapy removes students from the distraction of peers, devices, and demands of life and allow them to heal in a supportive and nurturing environment. Clients will be able to focus on themselves and become more aware of their troubling behaviors. BlueFire gives them the skills and tools they need to combat these behaviors and be on their way to a happy and healthy life. We can help your family today!
Contact us at 1-844-413-1999.
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